Colorado Trucking Jobs

Types of Trucking Jobs in Colorado

Mining and agriculture are major industries in Colorado, and products of these industries, such as cattle, require transportation to the rest of the nation. As an inland state, Colorado must rely upon its interstate highway system and trucking industry to transport its goods and commodities, making it a terrific state to become a truck driver! Demand is high for all kinds of truck driving positions, so take your pick! You may want to drive Over The Road (OTR), the long-distance truck routes that allow you to explore and experience distant parts of the country you may never have seen. You will work independently as you drive for two to four weeks at a time or more, and then return home for some much-needed, and well-deserved family time and rest. Perhaps you prefer to drive a distance, but not as far as cross country. Regional driving jobs may be for you. They keep you in the same general geographic area, usually somewhere surrounding where you live, but still require you to cross state lines, experiencing different climates and topographies. If close-to-home is where you want to be, local driving jobs may appeal to you. These jobs have you going home most every day, and keep you within the same city or geographic area. Whatever your preference, there is a driving job that could be suited to you, and the professional driving schools throughout Colorado can help you prepare for them.

Requirements for Driving in Colorado

The first step is to apply for a CDL instruction permit. You will need to show proof of identity, a valid social security number, and evidence that you are a legal resident of the state of Colorado. You will need to have turned 18 years of age. You will have to take and pass the required CDL knowledge tests, and present a valid Medical Examiner’s Certificate, as well as pay the required fee. After you get your permit, you will prepare for and take certain skills tests that will demonstrate your proficiency in pre-trip inspection, on the road skills, and basic vehicle control. This will enable you to earn your CDL in the class of vehicle for which you are applying: A, B, or C.

Building Your Colorado Trucking Career

The Colorado Motor Trucking Association is the voice for trucking in Colorado. This year marks the diamond jubilee of the organization, and it is planning to celebrate in grand style! This special celebratory meeting will be held at the luxurious Broadmoor Resort and Conference Center in Colorado Springs and will be filled with special events and national speakers.

Colorado Truck Driving Careers

If you are ready to take on the challenges of driving on Colorado’s backroads and side streets, you are ready to learn about trucking companies in Colorado and what they offer their drivers.

Being familiar with Colorado roads can help you during your job search, but even if you are not familiar with them yet, you can plan on learning them throughout the course of your career. Some of the most prominent trucking roads in Colorado include the Moffat County Truck Route, Colorado Road 27, U.S. 40, U.S. 24, and Highway 392.

Taking advantage of professional networking opportunities may help you as you get established. The Colorado Motor Carriers Association is the main trucking group in Colorado, uniting drivers with different licenses and job responsibilities. No matter where in Colorado you live, joining this group can put you in touch with other drivers in your community.

The Bureau of Transportation Statistics notes that Colorado has active relationships with many other states in the trucking industry. The main states that Colorado exports to include Illinois, Texas, Alabama, and California. Some of the primary goods shipped out of Colorado are mineral products, gravel, cereal grains, and food products.

In general, truck driving salaries in Colorado are above national averages. The median income for a Colorado tractor-trailer driver is $43,100 per year (O*Net, 2015).

Need CDL Training? View a list of truck driving schools in Colorado to get started.